Little Tinicum Island proposed State Forest Natural Area

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

DEPARTUM OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
OFFICE OF RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
BUREAU OF FORESTRY

LITTLE TINICUM ISLAND
STATE FOREST NATUR AREA
(PROPOSED)

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VALLEY FORGE STATE FOREST

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k.ITTLE@'- TINICUM. 1SLAN
Proposed State ForLsat HatN/al Area-'.-'

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Project coordinati6n--.,'pr1ovid.,bd-, by the
Pennsylvania Department dif Eniltonment4l-. Resourqes,.
Office of-Resou'rces.nanagementp
BurLau of Forestry

COASTAL ZONE

INFORMATION CENTER

Funding for this study is provided by-'the'" -Viedshral. Governmipnt
through the Office of Coasta-1 Zone Management, @Nati,ona,17069anim
C
o'h"Under S
and Atmospheric Administrati ection 305 --the oa.0 a.
Zone Management Act of 1972 (P.I... @-9k;-5'83) acting
Pennsylvania Department of Env.1iroig"Wffiental Resio_urcei.'@, @@Otki`
Resources Management.

property of cSC Library

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Little Tinicum Island Management Plan ...................... 1

Location and'Administratioii ............................ 1

Management Designatio'
n........ .......................

State Forest Natural Areas ....... ................... 0.......0 1

Definition ................... ........ o...... ....... I

Administrative Guidelines .............................. 2.

Operating Guidelines .................................. 2

Little Tinicum Island Natural Area Guidelinesi.v ............

Inter-Agency Cooperation ..... ....................... 4.

Public Participation .................................. . 5

Project Considerations .......................................... 5

Project Review .................................... , ......... 8

Appendix A: Little Tinicum Island: An Environmental
Analysis and Evaluation of Alternative
Utilization Plans. Tredinnick/Waetzman
Associates, November 1985.

Appendix B: Little Tinicum Island Maps.
Tredinnick/Waetzman Associates, November 1985.
Scale 1" = 2001

Map 1: Physical Features,
Map 2: Recreation@ Development Proposals

Map 3: Vegetation

LITTLE TINICUM ISLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN

Location and Administration

Little Tinicum Island in the.Delaware River estuary,
Delaware County, Pennsylvania, represents a unique ecosystem in
the Commonwealth. It is administered by the Department of
Environmental Resources, Office of Resources Management, Bureau
of Forestry, Valley Forge State Forest. It is located in a
heavily industrialized section of the state south of
Philadelphia. The long axis of the Island runs east to west. it
is about two miles long and varies from 200 to 900 feet widLe. it
is bounded on the north by a shallow channel, or back channel.,
that accesses a number of small marinas in Essington and Darby
Creek and the south by a dredged forty-foot deep channel that
accommodates international freighters and tankers. Philadelphia
International Airport is immediately no rtheast of theIsland.
The western section of the Island is directly beneath the glide
path for landings.

Management Desianation

An estuary is a body-of water where fresh river waters meet
and mix with saline seawaters'. This results in diluted seawater
or brackish water. Because of the unique nature of this area,
compared to other State Forest lands;, the Bureau will recommend
to the Environmental Quality Board in 1986 that. it be designated
as a Natural Area. Management will- be predicated on protection
of this ecosystem and its unique animal and plant inhabitants and.
will follow the standard administrative and operating guide:lines
for Natural. Areas.

STATE FOREST NATURAL AREAS

Definition

Recognizing that there is abasic need for th.e preservation
of certain areas of forest land with either limited or no human
disturbance, the following definition has been adopted for
Natural Areas that are or will be, established on. State Forest.
land:

A Natural Area is an area af unique scenic, historic',
geologic or ecological value, which will be maintained in, a
natural condition by allowing physical arid' biologic'al.
processes to operate, usual.1y'without direct human

intervention. These areas are set aside to provide
locations for scientific observation of natural systems, to
protect examples of typical and unique plant and animal
communities, and to protect outstanding examples of natural
interest and beauty.

Administrative Guidelines

The guidelines governing the administration of Natural Areas are
as follows:

1. No human habitation is permitted, except that primitive type
backpack camping may be permitted in designated areas only.

2. Access for all but essential administrative activities is
restrictd to foot travel and non-motorized watercraft,
except in designated areas.

3. Buildings and other improvements are restricted to the
minimum required for public health, safety and interpretive
aids.

4. Timber harvesting is not permitted except as may be required
for maintenance of the public safety.

5. Leases and mineral development are prohibited; however,
subsurface oil and gas rights may be leased where no surface
use or distrubance of any kind will take place on the
Natural Area. New rights-of-way are prohibited except for
designated utility corridors in the Bucktail Natural Area.

Operating Guidelines

The following operating guidelines have been developed to further
refine the administrative guidelines:

Natural Area Location Factors

Any unique or unusual biologic, geologic or historic areas
can be considered for designation as Natural Areas. The
size of these areas will generally be small but may be as
large as several thousand acres. They should be created
whenever other resource development would have an adverse
effect on their future utility and value. Areas recommended
for Natural Area designation should be submitted to the
State Forester by the District Forester along with a map and
a complete documentation describing the character of the
area. Final approval and official designation as a Natural
Area will be by action of the Environmental Quality Board
under authority granted in Section 1920-A of the

-2-

Administrative Code of 1929 as Amended by Act 275, December
3, 1970.

Natural Area Management

Natural Areas will be left undisturbed with natural
succession allowed to occur" Intervention will
permitted when man-caused activities or events threaten its
natural value.

A 660 foot wide uneven-age management buffer will be
maintained around Natural Areas except when a road, pipeline
or powerline serves as a boundary in which case a 330 foot
wide buffer will apply.

Existing right-of-way expansion will be considered on an
individual case basis. Expansion approval will be
considered when the project will not harm the feature for
which the area was designated and, is justified as the
alternative that will result in the least overall ecological
damage to State Forest lands. Proposed right-of-way
expansion will undergo a Project Review as detailed
in the Report Section of the Forest Resource Plan.

Aerial spraying of herbicides to maintain rights-of-way
within and bordering Natural Areas will be prohibited.
Vegetation on these rights-of way may be cut and controlled
by direct spray application to cut stems.

Insect and disease control will be considered on an
individual case basis. Control measures will be considered
if the feature for which the area was designated is in
jeopardy. All proposed insect and disease control
activities will undergo a Project Review as detailed in
Report Section of the Forest Resource Plan.

Fire control is permitted as per normal operating procedures
of the Bureau of Forestry.*

Horse-back riding and handicapped apparatus equipped with
electric motors may be permitted on designated, maintained
trails.

No artificial regeneration will be permitted in Natural
Areas.

Hunting and fishing will be permitted in Natural Areas
unless otherwise posted.

Any management or requested activity on Natural Areas that
will result in some form of disturbance must be approved by
the State Forester.

Signs will be erected at access points and where needed
along roads bordering Natural Areas. Signs will indicate
the name of the Natural Area, why the area was set aside and
any special restrictions which might apply.

Certain Natural Areas have been designated by the Bureau and
the Pennsylvania Fish Commission as protection areas for
reptiles and amphibians. Signs will be maintained stating
that the taking, catching, killing or possession of any
reptile or amphibian within the area is prohibited.

Little Tinicum Island Natural Area Guidelines

Because of the diversity of the nature, type, and size of Natural
Areas, specific guidelines are needed to fit each area. The
following guidelines for Little Tinicum Island clarify the State
Forest Natural Areas administrative and operating guidelines.

1. Primitive type backpack camping is permitted.

2. Access to the Island by motorized watercraft is permitted.
No motorized vehicles are permitted on the Island.

3. Trails or other physical improvements will not be made on
the Island.

4. On official designation of Little Tinicus Island as a
Natural Area by the Environmental Quality Board, the Bureau
and the Pennsylvania Fish Commission will designate it as a
Reptile and Amphibian Protection Area.

Inter-Agency Cooperation

The Bureau of Forestry is committed to sound multiple
resource management. The management of many of the fauna
resources on State Forest lands is under the jurisdiction of the
Pennsylvania Game and Fish Commissions (PGC-mammals and birds:
PFC-fish, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates). The
Bureau has management responsibility for the habitat on which
these animals depend. It is therefore desirable for all parties
to cooperate in their resources management endeavors to attain the
goals and objectives of the respective agencies.

To promote cooperation in resource management endeavors,
separate cooperative agreements have been developed with the
Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish
Commission. This cooperation will encompass the Little Tinicum
Island. In addition, cooperation has been solicited and received
for some time with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The
Bureau will pursue formalizing this cooperation.

-4-

Public Participation

In February, 1986, the Bureau of Forestry held two public
meetings to receive public comments on the management of the
Valley Forge State Forest. Little Tinicum Island is part of that
administrative unit and was a subject open for public input.
Written public comments were also solicited with a March 31,
1986, deadline. No comments were received at the meetings or in
written form.

For additional information on the character and use of the
Island and Delaware River and natural resource inventories of the
Island, see Appendix A, Little Tinicum Island: An Environmental
Analysis and Evaluation of Alternative Utilization Plans,
Tredinnick/Waetzman Associates, November 1985.

PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS

On initiation of any project on State Forest lands that may
or will disrupt, alter, or otherwise change the environment,
review the following items to ensure that each concern has
been adequately considered and addressed. Detailed
information about each concern can be obtained from the
sources in parentheses.

1. Erosion and Sedimentation: Soil losses and resultant
water degradation can be greatly reduced or prevented
for most activities (operating/Management Manuals or
County Conservation District).

2. Water Quality: Potential sedimentary, thermal,
and chemical pollution can be avoided for most
activities. Existing pollution can be reduced or
eliminated by certain practices or procedures
(Operating/Management Manuals or the Bureau of Water
Quality Management or Pennsylvania Fish Commission).

3. Air Quality: Potential dust, smoke, chemical, and
other particulate pollution can be avoided for most
activities. Certain practices, such as timing of the
activity, can alleviate potential problems when the
pollutant cannot be reduced or prevented (Bureau of Air
Quality Control).

4. Water Quantity: Certain practices in or adjacent to
wetlands can affect the water level. Streams and
bodies of water are also subject to manipulation of
water levels. Practices should have an overall
beneficial effect and not adversely affect the water
level (Bureau of Water Resources Management or
Pennsylvania Fish Commission).

5. Groundwater: Potential pollution of groundwater can be
avoided for most activities (Operating/Management
Manuals or the Bureau of Water Quality Management).

6. Soils: Potential problems, i.e., erosion, stability,
overcompaction, saturation, etc., should be anticipated
and avoided (SCS County Soil Survey, County
Conservation District, or Bureau of Soil and Water
Conservation).

7. Unlque'/Unusual Geologic Features: Potential damage to
uc ion of t'fi4se features should be anticipated
or -dWi3ti-
and''Av'ebde@d" (Forei.A;' Re@source Plan and Pennsylvania
Natural Diversity Ini'@e*iitoiiy for details of locations.
Minerals Section,..Division of State Forest Management
or the'Bureau of T60bgrap4ic and Geologic Survey for
details of possible*project effect on feature and
preventive measures)..

8. Aesthetic (Visual) Values: Often projects can be
blended into their surroundings, or the adverse impact
of their appearance lessened, by certain practices or
procedures (Operating/Management Manuals).

9. Noise Levels: Potential problems for the public,
contractors, and employees should be anticipated and
avoided. Certain practices or procedures, i.e., timing
of the activity, use of buffer zones, etc., can.
alleviate potential problems.

10. Archeological Sites/Historic Sites: Potential damage
to or destruction of ti@ese features should be
anticipated and avoided. Discovery of new sites should
be reported to the Division of Forest Advisory Services
(Forest Resource Plan and Division of Forest Advisory
Services for details of locations. FAS will refer
Projects to the Historical and Museum Commission for
details of possible project effect on feature and
preventive measures).

1I.-.- Recreation Sites/Opportunities: Potential damage to or
degradation of existing or potential sites should be
anticipated and avoided. Certain practices, i.e.,
timing of the activity, use of buffer zones, etc., can
alleviate potential problems (Division of State Forest
Management).

12. Public Health and,Safetjr: Project design and
administration must ensure that the public is protected
at the project site from all potential hazards that
could be associated with the project activities or
result-irom',th I4_domoleted'project (Division of State
For

13. Transportation: Project design must ensure adequate
ingress to and egress from the site and minimize
disruption of public rights--of-way (Division of State
Forest Management).

14. Energy Needs/Use: Energy resources fill domestic and
commercial needs. Projects should ensure their
conservation. Projects should also be designed to use
energy wisely (Division of State Forest Management).

15. Existing/Potential Land Use: Project.design should,,be,.,
compatible with current zoning for the site.'a ,pd,plaio"@n''ed-
f uture uses if any (District Forest Rb96ur'c-e' paps@_and,
!mLh
the Division of State Forest Ma'
@nagq

16. Protected Animals/Plants: Certain' animal and 01aht
species have been listed and,givein Protected status by.
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Pennsylvania
Game and Fish Commissions and the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Resources. Projects that
will have a potential adverse effect on any of these
species, or habitats critical to their survival, should
be avoided. (For a listing of these species and
guidelines for their protection, refer to the Forest
Resource Plan, Fauna and Flora Operating Manuals,
Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory, Pennsylvania
Game Commission, or Pennsylvania Fish Commission).

17. Habitat Diversity and Interspersion: Habitats are
classified as either terrestrial, wetland, aquatic or
riparian. Management strategies ', in most cases, should
strive to maximize diversity- within and between these
habitats primarily by promoting v arious habitat
components. When protecting-, creating or developing
habitat components, consideration should be given to
the arrangement or interspersion of these components
within an area. (For definitions of diversity an.d
interspersion and guidelines,.to promote them, refer to
the Fauna Operating Plan and the Forest Resource Plan,
Fauna and Flora Management Section).

18. Biological Productivity: 'While'it is the goal of the
Bureau to provide for and maintain a diversity of
species, we are also striving to promote conditions
favorable for the highest possible.numbers of certain
species while still maintaining diversity. Management_
for productivity may be aimed at a particular species
or group of species while not jeopardizing the area,'G...
overall species diversity (Fauna and Flora Operating,,.,.
Manuals).

19. Other: Consider other unique features *hI'dh'm'-ay_be-'
affected by the proposed project, i.e., scenic.-rivers,_-
National Natural Landmarks, etc.

20. Permits: Projects affecting or encroaching on wetlands
require encroachment permits. New entrances to public
roads, other than State Forest roads, require occupancy
permits. Certain other activities must be permitted
(Division of State Forest Management).

PROJECT REVIEW

On initiation of any project in the following categories,
a Project Review must be completed by the District Forester
and approved by the State Forester:

1. Wetlands encroachment.

2. Insect and disease control activities in a Natural
Area.

3. Right-of-way expansion in a Natural Area or Wild Area.

4. Surface mining.

.5. Addition of Class 1 or 2 roads to the State Forest road
system.

"6. Other projects as determined by the State Forester.

The Project Review will include a description of the
project, justification for the project's need, a description
of the project site, and a narrative consideration of each
of the 20 Project Considerations items. The narrative must
include an assessment of the project's probable impact on
each factor and whether it is a beneficial or adverse
impact. For factors where an adverse impact is predicted,
explain the corrective measures to be taken or justification
why *nonew are planned.

The District Forester will submit the original copy of each
Project Review to the State Forester and a copy to each
Division within the Bureau for review and comment. Final
project approval will be made by the State Forester. The
Project Review will be made a permanent part of the project
file.

LITTLE TINICUM ISLAND

An Environmental

...........
Analysis and
Evaluation of
Alternative
Utilization Plans
fiA

TREDINNICK/WAETZMAN ASSOCIATES

AN ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND
ALTERNATIVE UTILIZATION PLANS
FOR LITTLE TINICUM ISLANDJ
L
DELAWARE. COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
i 7

NOVEMBER, 1985

THIS REPORT WAS PREPARED FOR THE DIVISION OF FOREST
ADVISORY SERVICESj BUREAU OF FORESTRY., PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES, FUNDING WAS
PROVI.DED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
PROGRAMi. DIVISION OF COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENTJ*' BUREAU
OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENTj PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES.

Tredinnick/ Waetzman Associates
Pos.t. Office 'Box 1161
Havertown, Pa. 19083
215/ 642..- 5200

Principal. Staff:

Larry S. Waet2,.man,- AICP

Cathy A. Leonard

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Location of Little Tinicum Island 1

The History of Little Tinicum Island and Vicinity 5

Physical Characteristics of the Island 8

Tides and Navigation near the Island 9

The Quality of Delaware River Water near the Island 12

The Vegetation of Little Tinicum Island 16

Reptiles and Amphibians on the Island 25

Fish of the Delaware River near Little Tinicum Island. 31

Birds of Little Tinicum Island 33

Mammals on Little Tinicum Island 40

Recreational Use of the island and the Delaware River 41

Considerations for Activities and Facilities on the island 54

Four Plans for Little Tinicum Island 62

Endnotes 67

Bibliography 69

Contributors 70

Appendix One - Preliminary Survey of Contaminants in Fish 71

Appendix Two - National Wetlands Inventory Map of Island 84

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 The Delaware Estuary 2

Figure 2 Regional Map 3

Figure 3 NOAA Chart of Little Tinicum Island 4

Figure 4 Physical Feature of the island 7

Figure 5 Mud Flats around the island 10

Figure 6 Water Quality Data, Paulsboro, New Jersey 13

Figure 7 Water Quality and Waste Dischargers 14

Figure 8 Vegetation Map Back Cover Insert Map

Figure 9 Vegetation List 19

Figure 10 The Food Value of Aquatic Plants 24

Figure 11 Possible Amphibians and Reptiles on the Island 29

Figure 12 Amphibian & Reptile Habitats on the Island 30

Figure 13 Recreational Survey Questionaire 42

Figure 14 Number of Visitors Throughout the year 43

Figure 15 Favorite Visiting Spots 47

Figure 16 Recreational and Cultural Sites 49

Figure 17 Commercial, Private & Public Boating Facilities 51

Figure 18 Trail, Campfire and Campsite Areas 59

Figure 19 Facilities Construction Costs 61

Figure 20 National Wetlands Inventory Map 84

Location of Little Tinicum Island

Little Tinicum Island is an island in the Delaware River
estuary. An estuary is a body of water in which the fresh waters
of a river mix with the saline waters of the sea to create a
brackish water or diluted seawater. The tidal section of the
river extends north of Philadelphia. The area of brackish water
moves with the seasons, but usually occurs south of Little Tinicum
Island during most of the year. The Delaware River Estuary contains
few islands: Pea Patch and Reedy Islands, which are south of
Wilmington Delaware, Chester Island, little Tinicum Island, and
Petty Island, see Figure One 1.
Little Tinicum Island is located in a heavily industrialized
section of the Delaware River Estuary, see Figure Two 2. An oil
refinery is located on the New Jersey shore opposite the eastern
end of the island. The landing glide path of large commercial jets
destined for the Philadelphia International Airport crosses the
western end of the island. The altitude of jets crossing the Island
is a few hundred feet. The landing runway is less than one half a
mile from the eastern tip of the island.

Little Tinicum Island is about twelve miles downstream of
Philadelphia. It is bounded on its north by a shallow channel
that permits entrance to numerous small marinas in Essington
and Darby Creek, see Figure Three 3. A dredged forty foot deep
shipping channel which accomodates large international tankers
and freighters headed for Philadelphia and Camden lies five to
eight hundred (500 - 800) feet south of the Island.

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The History of Little Timicum Island and Vicinity

The area of Essington was settled in 1640 by the New Swedith
Company. The first Royal Governor, Johan Printz, arrived in 1643
and constructed the Printzhoff- his home and office. The ruins
of this building are located in Govenor Printz State Park in
Essington. The Swedish colony was seized by the Dutch and the
British before becoming part of the United States.
In 1799 a new location for the Philadelphia immigration
quarantine station was sought. A new facility named the Lazaretto
was built on a ten acre tract in Essington. During the yellow
fever epidemic in 1870 a request to move the quarantine station to
Little Tinicum Island was rejected by, the state legislature. The
facility was moved to Marcus Hook. The Lazaretto has been used
subsequently as a resort, yacht club, and as headquarters for the
Seaplane Base and the United States Army Signal Corps.
The first Swedish settlers built dikes for pastureland and
cultivation. These dikes were breached in 1777 during the
American revolution, but it is not clear if the British occupants
or the American revolutionaries breached the dikes.4 The presently
existing dikes on the island were built by the United States Army
Corp of Engineers to hold sediments that were hydraulically
removed from the river bottom to deepen the shipping channel.
Three holding sections exist. The easternmost area was never
filled and the dikes have breached creating an inlet.
Mr. Robert Mills, owner of the Lazaretto found ruins of a
foundations on the west end of the island. Little Tinicum Island
is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the
Pennsylvania Inventory of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
Commission. This site is not listed for future excavation for
ruins or preservation. 5
A right-of-way was granted to the Southern Pipe Line Company
to " lay, maintain and operate two pipe lines for the transporta-
tion of oil and construct, maintain and operate telegraph-telephone
lines, ... over and across Tinicum Island". The telegraph-
telephone lines shall be ... of cable in the River and upon the
Island". 6 The location of these rights-of-way was not given in

greater detail. Figure Three shows the location of a cable area
and pipeline area near the eastern end of the island. These
do not coincide with the existing pipeline on the extreme eastern
end of the island, see Figure Four 7.
An easement for a proposed two hundred foot wide channel
through Little Tinicum Island is mentioned in the Title Report 8
This land may be subject to " any outstanding unrecorded agreements
with the United States Army Corp of Engineers relative to deposit-
ing material dredged from the Delaware River". 9

FIGURE 4
LITT*TINICUM ISLAND AND VICINITY

ESSINGTON PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL

BACK CHANNEL'

TIDAL P

IKE
LITTLE TINICUM ISLAND

DELAWARE RIVER
Erosion Are4q

0 750' 1500, 22

Approximate

Physical Characteristics of the Island

The recent geologic history of the Delaware River explains
the formation of Little Tinicum Island. The course of the Dela-
ware River allowed silt to accumulate on the river shorelines
between the mouths of Darby Creek and the Schuylkill River.

Little Tinicum Island may have originally been part of this deltaic
marshland. A now extinct creek may have separated the island
from the mainland before the Delaware River overflowed the creek.
These marsh shorelines and the island north of Little Tinicum
Island-Hog Island, were diked and filled to create land. Little
Tinicum Island is on an inside curve of the river bend. The water
flow is slower here aqnd sediments accumulate, especially in the
back channel or north side of the island. 10
The shape of the island is slowly changing. The south-
western end of the island and its accompanying small tida1 flats
are eroding away while the extensive tidal flats and shoals
offshore of the eastern end remains stable. The western end of
the island previously extended beyond the mouth of Darby Creek in
1890. 11 The waves created by passing freighters erode the
shorelines that are not protected by the buffering action of Three-,
Square Bulrush of the tidal flats, see Figure Four. The western
end has two areas that are eroding for these reasons and also
because these areas lie perpendicular to the unobstructed westerly
winds and subsequent building waves. These waves hit the eroding
clifflike shoreline which is stabilized by strongly rooted
Phragmites plants.
Sandy beaches are formed in a few areas of the southern
shore that are not protected by emergent vegetation. Large
amounts of debris and driftwood lie at the high storm tide
elevations of the island, see Figure Four. The driftwood consists
mostly of large tree trunks that were uprooted upstream during
large storms and floods. These trunks protect the island against
erosion by waves during large storms by holding and trapping sand
and silt.
The soils on Little Tinicum Island are classified as Tidal
Marsh- a mixture of silty clay and coarse textured sediments
washed down from the coastal plain by Darby Creek. 12

Tides and Naigation near Little Tinicum Island

The Delaware River has a seqmidiurnal 5.7 foot tide near
Little Tinicum Island. There are two approximately equal high
and low tides each day. There are no navigational aids for boaters
near Little Tinicum Island marked on the chart, see Figure Three.
The Pennsylvania Fish Commission does maintain their private markers
near their boat basin. The western area of the back channel is
designated by the United States Coast Guard as a special anchorage
for pleasure craft. Navigation in the back channel is very diffi-
cult at low tide, especially for sail boats and deep draft vessels.
The mud flats surrounding the island extend out an average of
three hundred feet. The mud flats extend for twelve hundred feet
east of the island, see Figure Five 13. The entire island is in
the floodplain of the river. Large storm tides cause the river to
wash across low lying areas.

FIGURE 5

CN NO The Mud Flats
0

C14 SOUNDINGS IN FEET'
MEAN'LOW WATER +-0*7 ft.
0 10
MEAN HIGH WATER + 6,1 fte
ONE INCf! 400 F=-
E

4);

Island

The-Quality of Delaware River Estuary Waters neav Tinicum Island

The water quality of the river water is improving along most
of its 1 ength. The quality-of the river near Little Tinicum
Island is very poor. The two recently improved sewage treatment.
plants in Philadelphia are discharging'secondarily treated sewage
effluent into the river. This treatment is not complete and the
effluent puts a burden on the river to complete the degradation
of -wastes and consequently lowers the amount of dissolved oxygen
in the water..
',Vater quality data of a section of the Delaware River near
the 7sland is collected at 'Paulsboro, New Jersey. The quality of
zraUer can vary greatly along short distances upstream or downstream
or from shore to shore. Consequently, data collected at Paulsbcro
may not accurately reflect the water quality in the back channel
but probably is accurate for the south shore of the island..
Satisfactory levels are indicated for pH,. temperature, hardness.,
alkalinity,. chloridet phenol,-iron and lead.,1'49 15
Dissolved-oxygen is an important indicator-of water quality.,
,Dissolved oxygen concentrations above 5mg/l are required for a
complete life cycle of the most sensitive fish--ex. American Shad.
Dissolved oxygen at two.to three milligrams per liter (2 mg/1)
is recuired for a minimally diverse estuarine fishery.16 The State
of zennsvivania standard states that dissolved oxygen concertralCions
should be greater than 3-5 mg/1 on a single day and greater than
6.,5 mg/1 as a spring and fall seasonal average. Figure -ix 17
shows-that,oxygen levels were usually substandard.
Sewer lines that combine flood waters and sewage during rain-,
storms discharge raw sewage into the river during heavy stormis.
The Delaware River Basin Commission estimates that thi.s is a larfre
source of river pollution ('bacterial-contamination) near Little
Tinicum Island'. Fecal, coliform. is a. measure of the- amount. of
water contamination by-humani sewage*- Fecal coliform. levels-are
indicators of the potential of human pathogenic bacteria and other
organisms exist ing in the water. These bacterial, virus and

protozoan pathogens cause hepatitis, salmonella, shigella, enceph-
alitus and other infections. 18
The Pennsylvania standard for fecal coliform concentrations
for waters used for boating and other secondary contact recreation
(not swimming) is 770 counts/ml. Swimming waters should have
counts less than 200 counts/ml. The Delaware River near Paulsboro
never met the swimming standard during the seventeen sampling
days in 1984 to the present. The boating standard was met during
two sample days during this period, see Figure Six.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health was contacted to
determine if any instances of illness related to river contact
was reported. Health Records are not kept in a format that
could be readily investigated to answer this question. No outbreaks
of illness due to river contact have been noted by the Chester, PA.
office of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 19
Chloride is an element found in greater concentrations in
saltwater than in freshwater. It is used as an indicator of
saltwater in an estuary. Freshwater has chloride concentrations
of ten to twenty milligrams per liter; the saltwater front is
defined at 250 mg chloride/1. Diluted saltwater enters the
Essington area usually in late summer and retreats in the fall.
The average location of the saltwater front during the year is
Marcus Hook. 20

FIGURE SIX

spring 84 summer 84 fall 84 spring 85

temperature _F 56 76 64 62
Fecal coliform 3240 2380 4000 -
counts/ 100 ml
Dissolved Oxygen 7.15 2.46 3.98 5.63
mg O_/1
Chloride 14.3 24.6 72 25.5
mg C1/l

The water quality of the Delaware River was summarized in a
map prepared by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, see
Figure Seven. 21

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4f4'o
0

SCNUYL.O)LL
........... ..
S,
)ItVEN, ..

SSIVAY

1@ wl

XXI
JKL

CY a

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ul
CO

Philadelphiatc., Flan for F-d
Philadelphia City Planning

Municipal

Industrial

2 3mi.1i

3-4

4-5

wo,,TGOMI
-C 0- Aa V,
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5-6

OL 6-7

EL
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Ot "14

93 13

.........

OUNL- -4

m I

The Vegetation and Geomorphology of Little Tinicum Island

Little Tinicum Island is circled by tidal freshwater wetlands.
The interior of the island consists of scrub forests and disturbed
areas of fill with a variety of types of vegetation. Figure Eight
is a vegetation map of the island. The vegetation types are
described below. Scientific names are listed in Figure Nine.

Three-square Bulrush Marsh
This emergent plant grows in silty soils in the lower tidal
areas and forms the outermost fringe of vegetation on most of the
island. The large tidal change and waves on the south shore
prevent other plants from growing in these areas habitated by the
three-square bulrush. The few species that are found in this area
are found more inland and are very sparse. They are pickerelweed,
spatterdock, nutsedge, wild rice, cattails, great bulrush, and
iris species. On the north shore the three-square bulrush fringes
the Lower and Upper Tidal Marshes and mixes with these marshes.

Lower Tidal Marsh
This marsh is the outermost vegetation on certain more
protected areas of the north shore. The soils of these areas
are totally exposed at low tide and are flooded with two to three
feet of water at high tide. "This marsh contain areas where a
single species, such as spatterdock or pickerelweed dominates.
This area also contains arrowheads, arrow arum and mud plantain.

Upper Tidal Marsh
This marsh is found between the lower tidal marsh and
phragmites stands or scrub/forest. These mud flats are flooded
shallowly during high tide. This marsh is very narrow and is a
transition zone between tidal areas and uplands. It contains a
mixture of numerous species, with no species predominating except
for the two easternmost areas on the north shore where water
smartweed is plentiful. Components of this marsh are narrow-leaved
and common cattail, wild rice, nutsedge, common reed (Phragmites),
spikerush, water smartweeds, speedwell, water purslane, false
pimpernel, monkeyflower, waterdock and beggarticks.
The Upper and Lower Marshes have been mapped together for practical

reasons.

Common Reed

Homogenous stands of the common Phragmites are spreading on
the island. These reeds have replaced a narrowleaved cattail
marsh near the western end of the island that was mapped in 1971. 22
These reeds are ten to fourteen feet tall and grow in thick impass-
ible stands just inland of the high tide mark.

Mixed Shrubs

The shrubs are found above the high tide mark and as a transi-
tion zone between the common reed and the scrub/forest. Areas of
shrubs grow among the common reed on the western tip of the
island. Staghorn sumac is the predominant shrub in these areas.

Scrub/Forest

Scrub/forest occupies the interior uplands. The composition
varies from scrub areas with bare sands and few trees to forest
areas with thirty to fifty feet tall trees. The common trees are
black willow, crack willow, cottonwood, white ash, red ash and
sycamore. Locally common tree species are silver maple, boxelder,
red maple, wild cherry, river birch, catalpa and sweetgum. Non-
native and pollution tolerant trees growing on open areas and
beaches are the tree-of-heaven, princess-tree, Norway maple and
white mulberry.
Shrubs, tree saplings, herbs, grasses and vines comprise the
understory. Purple loosestrife and Japanese knotweed are non-
native 'weed' species that dominate a few small shoreline areas
above the high water mark on the south shore. Thick growths of
herbs and vine understory were present in richer soils in the
central part of the island. The sand and gravel fill soils on the
eastern and supported less of an understory.
The construction of dikes and filling of these areas has
altered the natural soils and hydrology of the eastern third of
the island. The easternmost dike has been breached creating an
inlet. The steeply sloped tidal areas of this inlet are not
habitated by aquatic vegetation. Shrubs and grasses grow on the
steep banks- ticklegrass, horsenettle, blackberry.

The grasses present in the scrub/forest are ticklegrass,
switchgrass and witchgrass. The vines noted were poison ivy,
virginia creeper and japanese honeysuckle. The herbs present
are spotted jewelweed, morning glory, pokeweed, dodder, mints,
lambsquarters, silky dogwood, staghorn sumac, buttonbush, common
alder, blackberry, false indigo and hibiscus.

Compositae stand

The central basin has very course soils which drain quickly.
This area has a history of fires. In 1971 it was noted that a fire
had destroyed most of the trees leaving a thick stand of soapwort
and sunflower with cottonwood and black willow sprouts. The
eastern section of this central basin is now composed of a thick
stand of an unidentified genus of the family Compositae.

Cottonwood Grove

A stand of cottonwood trees occupies the center of the central
dike. This twenty to thirty-five foot stand has grown since the
fire in 1971.

Grasslands

One small area is composed of grasses and a few shrubs that
are common in the scrub/forest.

Sand Beaches

These clean, unvegetated sandy beaches exist on the south shore.

Driftwood and Debris areas

This area occurs from the high water mark and extend inland
for more than a few yards. In low lying areas driftwood is found in the
interior of the island. Most of the area is driftwood but some
trash debris is present. Few plants grow among the driftwood.

A map of the wetlands delineated by the United States Department
of the Interior in the National Wetlands Inventory is Appendix Two.

FIGURE NINE

Grasses, sedges and rushes:

Three-square bulrush Scirpus americanus
Great bulrush Scirpus validus
Nutsedge Cyperus spp.
Common reed Phragmites communis
Wild rice Zizania aquatica
Spikerush Eleocharis diandra
Ticklegrass Agrostis hyemalis
Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
Witchgrass Panicum capillare

Fern and Monocots:

Arrow arum Peltandra virginica
Arrowheads Sagittaria latifolia
Common cattail Typha latifolia
Narrow-leaved Cattail Typha angustifolia
Sensitive fern Onoclea sensibilis
Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata
Mud plantain Heteranthera reniformis

Marsh Herbs:

Beggar-ticks Bidens spp.
Water dock Rumex altissima
Water hemp Acnida cannabina
Annual hedge hyssop Gratiola neglecta
False pimpernel Lindernia dubia
Water purslane Ludwigia palustris
Water smartweed Polygonum punctatum
Spatterdock Nuphar advena
Speedwell Veronica arvensis
American germander Teucrium canadense
Monkeyflower Mimulus spp.
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata

Upland Herbs:

Lambsquarters Chenopodium album
Mullein Verbascum thapus
Cocklebur Xanthium sp.
Marsh hoarhound Lycopus europaeus
Horsenettle Solanum carolinense
Spotted jewelweed Impatiens capensis
Milkweed Ascleppa spp.
Mustard Rorippa spp.
Pokeweed Phytolacca americana
Sunflower Helianthus sp.
Soapwort Saponaria officinalis

Trees:

Red Maple Acer rubrum
Red Ash Fraxinus p. pennsylvanicum
White Ash F. americana
River birch Betula nigra
Boxelder Acer negundo
Catalpa Catalpa speciosa
Wild cherry Prunus serotina
Cottonwood Populus deltoides
Norway Maple Acer platanoides
Silver maple Acer saccharinum
White mulberry Morus alba
Osage orangge Maclura ponifera
Princess Tree Paulownia tomentosa
Sweetgum Licuidambar styraciflua
Tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima
Black Willow Salix nigra
Crack Willow Salix fragilis

Shrubs:

Black alder Alnus glutinosa
Common alder Alnus serrulata
Blackberry Rubus spp.
Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis

Silky dogwood Cornus amomum
Elderberry Sambucus canadensis
False indigo Amorpha fruticosa
Staghorn sumac Rhus typhina
Dwarf sumac Phus copalina

Shrubform Herbs:

Japanese knotweed Polygonum cuspidatus
Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
Marsh mallow Hibiscus palustris

Vines:

Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera Japonica
Poison ivy Rhus radicans
Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Dodder Cuscuta spp.
Morning glory Iponoea purpurea
Bittersweet nightshade solanum dulcamara

Plant Species of Special Concern

The following species of special concern are listed in the
Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory. 23 Wild rice was observed
during this study. A complete survey of the north shore by
rowboat or canoe to areas that were inaccessible by foot or
motorboat may yield reports of waterhemp ragweed and Walter's
barnyard grass.

Zizania aquatica (wild rice) status rare. Reported in 1983,
100-1000 plants on the mud flats of the north shore.
During this study, three groups of a few plants each were
observed, two groups on the mud flats of the north shore
and one group at the highwater mark in driftwood on the
south shore.

Amaranthus cannabinus (water hemp ragweed) status rare. Reported
in 1983 as 1000 - 10,000 plants growing on silt, muck and
sand substrate near the upper zone of the high water mark in
shallow water.

Echinochloa walteri (Walter's barnyard grass) status rare.
Reported in 1983 as 10,000 flowering and fruiting plants nearly
all mature growing in the upper limit of high tide mark to
adjacent shore on sand and gravel, and silt and muck.

Hypericum gymnanthum (Clasping-leaved St. John's Wort) status rare.
Reported in 1866.

Scirous fluviatilis (River bulrush) status rare. Reported in 1865.

Lobilia nuttallii (Nuttall's lobelia) status rare. Reported in 1864.

Elatine americana (Long-stemmed water-wort) status extirpated.
Reported in 1868.

Fires on Little Tinicum Island

Fires are an annual occurence in the summer on the island.
These fires occur on the east end of the island and burn a
small area up to an acre. In 1985 there were two very small fires
in the driftwood debris and nearby herbs and shrubs. Evidence of
small fires in prvious years was noted. A few stone fire circles
have been built on the southeast beach.

The Food Value of Vegetation to Wildlife

The value of the aquatic plants is listed in Figure Ten. 24
The many varieties of plants that grow on the island can feed a
variety of reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. The seeds of
bulrush, smartweed, waterhemp, wild rice and nutsedge are eaten by
waterfowl. Common reeds are not utilized by birds for food. The
spread of common reeds into valuable food habitats has a negative
effect on the wildlife.

Shrubs and trees provide food for wildlife. The fruit of
blackberry shrubs, wild cherry, elderberry and white mulberry
trees are eaten by birds and mammals. Buttonbush seeds are eaten
by aquatic birds. The fruit of the dwarf sumac is eaten by wild-
life. 25
a

24,'

FIGURE TEN
THE FOOD VALUE OF AQUAT IIC FLANTS

upland
muskrat g am. e water iaarsh shore song
birds fowl birds birds birds

Agrostis spp..
Alnus spp. X x X"
Bi dens x
Cyperus app. x x x
Z.chi.nochloa spp. x x
E., walteri x
Fraxinus spp.. X x

T T
r@eteranthera
Hibiscus pal..

.Hypericum gymn. x
Iudvvigia pal. x
1'@unhar- advena x x x X,
,Peltandra virg. x x
Phragmites. x
Z'olygonum spp. x X, x X
Pontederia cord., x x
Rumex spp.; X x 2.1 x
Sagittaria spp. x
Salix spp. x x x x X,
Scirpus- az@er. X: X,
S. validus x
S'.. fluviatilis- x
Typha.angustifolia x. X- x x
T.. lati-folia. X: x x X:
Zizania aouatica x X: x x X:

LITTLE TINIMI ISLAND, DELAWARE RIVER.:.
Herpetological Comments
by

John D. Groves
Curator of Amphibians & Reptiles
Philadelphia Zoological Garden

On 31 October 1985, 1 visited Little Tinicum. Island in the Delaware River to
give advice on the possible herpetological fauna that may be present.on the
island. Since this visit occurred on a cool cloudy day at the end of October
no amphibians or reptiles were observed. Despite the lack of direct observations
and the unavailability of documented.herpetological records from the island,
it is possible@ from knowledge, of the islan@d's history, habitats and food resources,,
as well as a knowledge of herpetofaunal colonizations of other similar islands
in other areas of the Atlantic region, to formulate a working list of probable
or possible amphibians and reptiles on Little Tinicum Island. The following
comments and table are intended to provide a preliminary list of this herpeto-
fauna and are not to be considered a definitive account for this island.

Habitat Comments

Nine habitat types were noted.-on the island (Fig. l; Table 1). These varied
from mud flats (extending from the shore line to deeper water of the river) to
upland areas of scrub, successional woods and old fields in the interior of the
island. A long, but narrow flood plain encircles most if not the entire island
and a fair size (2 acre) lagoon, devoid. of' aquatic and emergent plants,. which
is connected-to the.west channel are-also present on the island. A series of
three dikes of sandy soil comprise three small, but distinct: habitat: types
(old field,scrub and barrens) on the north side-of*the island's interior.
These dikes originated as a result of the dredging of the channel in the
Delaware River on the east side ofthe island which accounts for the sandy soil.
Apparently a variety of environmenial factors are actively at work on the island
that have created such a diversity of habitats for such a small island.

Species :omments

From an evaluation of the islands available habitats and the known distribution
of amphibians and reptiles on both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the
Delaware' River, the possible herpetofauna of Little Tinicum Island may- contain
at. least three species Of amphibians:and.11 or 12-species of reptiles-. However,
because of the size of the island and,its available resources it is doubtful
that all of these species have resident reproducing populations on the island.
It is more probable that most of these species are only present on the island
as: occasional.waifs or-only to use-the resources of the island for-specific
purposes.@ Table I lists, all. of the possible- amphibians 'and reptiles that may
occur on the island and the habitatswhere they can,be-expected to be found.

Two endangered-species of Pennsylvania and one status undetermiendspecies mav-
occur on-or in the waters surrounding the island.. At least,one of the endangered
species-(red-bellied turtle, Pseudemvs rubriventris) has been sited-by Pennsylvania
Fish Commission biologists in the Delaware River near this island in the Federal
Channel in October 1985. This site record indicates that this species may use

-2-

the island for feeding and nesting.

The following comments are included to give justification for-the species
listed on Table 1.

Amphibians

Three species of anurans may occur on the isalnd., These include the following:

Spring Peeper (Hyla E. crucifer - This small treefrog has been reported
to reproduce on the island (Cathy Leonard,. per.. comm..).. Available
habitat-is found on many parts of the island for adults. The lagoon.
area is probably used for breeding since the salinity levels are low
or absent-in the river during their breeding season. Dean Florence
(PA-Fish Commission) reports that.the salt line in the.Delaware River
recedes down river between October- and December and returns in June-of,
the following year. This period is adequate for both the breeding season
and the tadpoles to develop to the adult stage.

American Toad (Bufo a. americanus) --This toad is common throughout
Delaware County with several large populations in the Essington and
Tinicum areas., The adult American toad appears to withstand brackish
environments and has been found on many islands along river courses in.
Maryland (per. observations) and.even on Barrier islands off the Atlantic,
coast (per.- observations).

Fowler's Toad (Bufo woodhousei fowleri) - This toad, like the American toad,
is another island colonizer'(Gibbons and Coker, 1978). Museum records from
the Pennsylvania and New Jersey mainland are available@for-this species
in the the-vicinity of the island... An early breeder with a short.tadpole
developmental,rate makes this- species a probably resident species..

Reptiles

Twelve species of reptiles are listed on Table 1 as possibly occurring on.the
island. Although habitat is available for each of these species,. it is unlikely
if all species have resident populations on the island.

Snnping Turtle (Chelydra s. ser-Dentina) - This large aquatic, turtle is
probably the most common reptile in southeastern Pennsylvania.. It occurs
in,large-.numbers in.a variety-of aquatic habitats. It is known to occur
in many axeas@of thenDelaware-River and most-likely occurs on and around.
the-island.

Musk-Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus This little turtle- is similar in habits
to the.snapping turtle and.is known to,occur-in,many. areas. of the, Delaware.-
River..

Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon s@ subrubrum This. turtle is- endangered.
in- Pennsylvania.. Only three locations are-presently known for the mud turtle
alon&the,coastal plain section of the.Commonwealth. Groves (1985) reviewed
its distribution and.ecological requirements. The-available habitat and food
resources.on and around the island make this a possible species in the herpetoo
fauna.

26'

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys p. picta:) - A common turtle around the Delaware
River. This species may use the'islands resources for feeding and nesting.
The warm waters in the lagoon and raud flats provide adequate hibernating
areas.,

Red-bellied Turtle (Pseudemys r. rubriventris) - This large aquatic turtle
is endangered in the Commonwealth. Ernst (1985) reviewed its distribution
and ecological requirements. Michael Kauffman and Chuck Emory (PA Fish
Commission) sited a large adult swimming in the Delaware River near the
island. Adequate feeding,- nesting and hibernation areas are available
on andaround the island., Populations are probably small, however, in
the,area.

Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina) -The box turtle is frequently found.
on off-shore islands. This species probably makes use of most of the
terrestrial habitats on the island.. This-species is frequently kept
as pets and may disappear from over-collecting if present.

Water Snake (Nerodia s. sipedon common aquatic species along the
Delaware River. It is considered poisonous wherever found, but is
harmless to man. Many people confuse this-snake with the cottonmouth
of the south. A resident population most likely exists on the island.

Northern Brown Snake (Storeria d. @@ A@ai) - This small snake is one of
the most common snakes on the adjacent mainlands of Pennsylvania and
New Jersey. It.is highly adaptable.to urban and other disturbed areas.
It- probably occurs in all terrestrial habitats thathave sufficient
moisture to support slugs, worms and.pill bugs. The flood plain or the
eastern shore of-the island has more than adequate habitat with an
abundance of shelter (drift wood and other debris) and probably supports
a large population.

Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis s. sirtalis) - Another extremely common
snake- on the mainland of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Commonly found in
association with the northern brownsnake, sometimes under the same shelter
site. Habitat and food resources of the island probably supports a
substantial population.

Eastern Hognosed Snake (Heterodon platyrhinos) - This medium sized snake
is historically known from the area, but is extremely uncommon. The sandy
soil of the uplands and.the possible presence of toads on the island may
-provide -adequate suitable conditions for this species. In other areas
(Maryland to Florida) this species is commonly found on river and coastal
islands. The size of Little Tinicum Island would, however, support only
a small population. McCoy (1985) discussed this species in Pennsylvania.

Black Racer (Coluber c. constrictor) - A large snake that is found in
fields, and open. areas near this island. Adequate food and habitat is
available on the island.

Black Rat Snake (Elaphe o. obsoleta) - Historically-known from the area.
May occur in the marsh and upland areas. The black racer may compete with
this species keeping populations low if it indeed occurs on the island.

Conclusions

The list and table provided here on the possible amphibians and reptiles that
may occur-on Little Tinicum Island is intended to be a brief account of these
animals for planning purposes only. It is not the result of extensive surveys
and needs to be confirmed. I have examined. the available habitats and considered
the potential food resources and potential reproductive parameters for each
included species. Most likely the actual listi of species o-ccurring on the island
will be reduced and not expanded upon due to human activities on the-mainland
shores and possibly on the island itself..

Although three species of concern in Pennsylvania- are listed, I do not feel
that special protective methods need to be formulated. for populations on the
island- Current protective measures regulated by the Pennsylvania Fish
Commission are adequate. Field surveys of these three species should.,. however,.
be undertaken on-the island by Bureau of Forestry personnel.

titerature Cited

Ernst, C.H. 1985. Endangered: Red-bellied Turtle,. Pseudemys rubriventris.
IN Genoways, H.H. and F.J. Brenner (Eds..) Species of Special Concern in,
Pennsylvania.. Carnegie Mus.. Nat. Hist., Special Publ., No.. ll,. pp. 267-270.

Gibbons,. J.W. and J.W.- Coker-. 1978., Herpetofaunal Colonization Patters on
Atlantic Coast Barrier Islands. Am Midl. Nat. 99: 213-233.

Groves,. J".D.. 1985-. Endangered: Eastern. Mud. Turtle, Kinosternon subrubrum.
IN.Genoways, H.H. and F.J. Brenner (Eds.) Species of Special Concern.in
Pennsylvania.. Carnegie Mus.- Nat... Hist,.,, Special Publ.,.,, No.. 11,. pp. 265-267'.

McCoy,.C.J., 1985'. Status Undeter#ned:- Eastern Hognose Snake, Heterodon
platyrhinos. IN Genoways, H.H.-and F.J. Brenner (Eds.,) 'Species of Special
Concern in Pennsylvania. Carnegie Mus.. Nat. Hist.,, Special Publ., No. 11,
pp., 289-291.

1.11 G U I? I--" I IPossible Amphibians and Reptiles of Littlo Tinicurn Island, Delaware River

ci 0 (See Figure 12)
S ecies 00. 0 C.9 Z)' b, -@, 0
p V., b@ _@,Y
S111", X- 0

Aii-,phibians
Spring Peeper X X X X X Is:nowri*
&i.erican Toad X X X X X X X X probable
,Fowlers Toad X X X X X X X X probable

Reptiles
Snapping Turtle X X X, X probable
Musk Turtle X X X probable
I Ux L, J.. U, possible Endangered-PA
Painted Turtle X X X probable*
Red-bellied Turtle X X X probable*-Endangered-PA
Box Turtle X X X X X X X probable
'Alatyr Snake X X X X X likely*
N. brown Snake X X X X 7 probable
E, Garter Snake X X X X X X X probable*
[log-posed Snake X X possible Undetermined
lllac7l,. Racer X X X X X X X X probable
Dla@k Rat Snake 7 ? 7 unknown

Observed on Little Tinicum Island by John 14iller, Pennsylvania Game Commission

FIGURE 12

PUPHIBIAN AND REPTILE HABITATS
ON LITTLE TINICUM ISLAND

MUD FLATS
1111 DA MARSH LD-FIELDS
GOON
TICK D PL N
SCRUB FOREST
TID li-MARS

B ACI

'COTTONWOODS

N
0

The Fish of the Delawre River near Little Tinicum Island

The waters surrounding the island are important spawning
and nursery grounds for anadromous fish. These marine fish come
into freshwater river to spawn. Few shallow protected waters and
wetlands remain for these fish. The back channel of Little
Tinicum Island is an important area for the following species:
Bay Anchovies, Blue-back herring, American Shad and Striped Bass.
Striped Bass populations have decreased along the Atlantic coast.
Measures to protect the striped bass are in effect.

Resident fish of the Delaware River near Little Tinicum Island
are channel catfish, brown bullhead, american eel, white perch (a
marine fish occassionally found in fresh water), silvery minnows,
rummichogs (a brackish water fish), and banded killifish. Salt-
water crabs have been present near the island during the summer and
fall for the past several years. Flounder were observed near
the island this year.

Pennsylvania Fish Commission Area Fisheries Biologist, Mr.
Mike Kaufman considers the waters near Little Tinicum Island
as a remnant habitat along the tidal area of the Delaware River
and very strongly feels the island should be a protected natural
area. Any disruption of the shorline of channel through dredging
would have a significant negative impact on these fisheries. A
previous study of the island in 1971 expressed a similar appraisal
of these waters-" the Back Channel is the most valuable fisheries
habitat within 10 or 12 miles upstream or downstream." 27

Tiger muskelunge have been stocked in the river near the Island
by the PA. Fish Commission in 1984 and 1985. Six thousand 7 - 12 inch
fingerlings were stocked each year. Confirmed sitings of the 1984
fingerlings indicates that the fish have survived the first year.
These fish grow to the legal size in three years.

There is a possibility that some fish species may have PCBs
in their flesh. This group of chemicals= polychlorinated biphenyls
causes cancer in laboratory animals. They are extraordinarily
resistant to degradation and their contamination is widespread.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has sampled fish

and snapping turtles found in Darby Creek and ponds in the Tinicum
National Environmental Center. The results indicated Levels of PCBs
in fish slightly over the recommended level of the Food and Drug
Administration's Action Level for human consumption. The level of
PCB in snapping turtles was very high. These results may or may not
apply to the fish and turtles in the Delaware River near Little
Tinicum Island. The contamination of fish and turtles in the
Environmental Center may be a local and restricted phenomena.

The Pennsylvania Fish Commission is analyzing two fish species
collected from the back channel of the island for the presence of
PCBs. Results should be available from Mr. Mike Kaufman in January
1986.

Appendix One is the results of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife
sampling of fish and turtles for PCB contamination.

Birds of Little Tinicum Island

This island is an extremely important bird habitat. The
very large number of bird species that frequent the island represent
almost all the families of birds, except tropical, open-ocean and
upland bird families. The many diverse habitats supply food and
shelter for a diverse bird population. The island is an important
stopover area for migratory birds in the Atlantic flyway. The
amount of suitable habitat is very sparse along the Delaware River
and nearby counties.

Mr. John Miller, Pennsylvania Game Commission, keeps a daily
checklist of birds seen near Little Tinicum Island and nearby areas.
He has been watching the birds and maintaining records of their
occurences since the early 1950's. The following list of birds
seen near or on Little Tinicum Island was prepared by Mr. Miller.
The Federal status and the proposed Pennsylvania status is
listed. A summary of Species of Special Concern follows:

State status- none.
Cattle Egret, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Glossy
Ibis, Hooded Merganser, Virginia Rail, Cliff Swallow.

State status-undetermined.
Sharp-shinned Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Bobolink.

State status-special concern.
Great Blue Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Marsh
Hawk, Snowy Owl, Purple Martin, Long-billed Wren.

State status- threatened.
American Bittern, Black Tern.

State status- endangered.
Bald Eagle, Osprey, Short-eared Owl.

State Status- extirpated.
Peregrine Falcon, Common Tern.

Federal Status- endangered.
Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon.

The following complete list includes the level of occurence of
birds. It is important to note the occurence of species of
special concern. Some of these are common on Little Tinicum Island.

The Long-billed Marsh Wren is nesting on the island.

Proposed.
Federal State
Occurence Status Statua

Common Loon c 0.-.1. r.11 0 11

Red-throated,Loon u "I c 0 11 i _Y"'. 0 il

Red-necked Grebe uncorizion

Horned Grebe u n c 0 IMM 0
Pi.ed Billed Grebe U 11 C 0 Z."I 711 0 n
Audobonf*s-Shearwater very ra-re
Great Cormorant, rare
Double breasted Cormorant c 0 r.,l 0 r_
Great Blue Heror- com=on none sp. con,

Green Heron c o: i I I c. n -c c t n,
Little Blue Heron COM1,10"!
Cattle Egret unco*.1._1:c).n In. on e none
Common '!',gret c or.11 1! 011
Snowy Egret C' 0 0 r. none none
Black@crowned night Heron c 0 M ri: 0 i-4 -none none
American Bittern ULICOM 0111^L none threatened
Glossy Ibis undor: on- none none:
@Vlute: Swan rare
Whistlin&Swan COMMon
Canada.Goose cor"mon.

Snow Goose U n. c 0 WID, C

Brant rare
Mallard co=on-nesi 2.'r,
Black Duck

Gadwall. uncoumion

PIntail com@r_'Ion'
Green-winged Teal co=on
Blue-winged.Teal
American: Widgeon u n c orim. on
Shoveler@ uncommon

'good Duck, unc:o"nmon.
Redhead uncommon
Ring-necked Duck u n c. orm"m o n
Canvasback u n c o m = ola
Greater-Scaup co=:Zon